Wednesday, April 15, 2015

CGCC recognized with leadership and educator of the year

The Si Se Puede Foundation honored Chandler-Gilbert
Community College President Linda Lujan with its Leadership Award at their
annual Educator of the Year Cesar Chavez Dinner on April 4. The award was given
to Lujan for her outstanding leadership in promoting equality, equity,
diversity and higher education within the Chandler/Gilbert communities,
according to Alberto L. Esparza, president and CEO of the Si Se Puede
Foundation (SSPF). Lujan also was recognized with the Educator of the Year Award in 2012.

The foundation also recognized mathematics faculty Pamela
Woodbury as a Cesar Chavez Educator of the Year Honoree. Woodbury incorporates
a service-learning component into her course each semester that benefits both
CGCC and SSPF students. CGCC students design games based on mathematical
principles, problem solving and vocabulary, which create a fun way for game
participants to learn and apply math.

“Many students have a perception that math is hard or boring
or difficult. By having them create games, they begin to realize that math can
be fun,” said Woodbury. “By watching the students at Si Se Puede play these
games, our students get to see that math really is fun. This award reinforces
that this work really does make a difference. I can see it in my students and
in the classroom afterward, and it’s good to know that it’s making a difference
for Si Se Puede students as well.”